Fresh tensions erupted along the Cambodia–Thailand border after Thailand launched airstrikes, accusing Cambodia of violating a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. The flare-up comes after Bangkok suspended de-escalation efforts last month, blaming Cambodia for newly laid landmines that maimed a Thai soldier an allegation Phnom Penh denies. The border has seen repeated incidents, and both sides are now signalling their readiness to escalate.
Budgets and Ground Forces:
Cambodia operates on a modest 2024 defence budget of $1.3 billion with 124,300 active personnel. Its army fields around 75,000 troops, more than 200 battle tanks, and roughly 480 artillery systems.
Thailand, designated by the U.S. as a major non-NATO ally, significantly outweighs Cambodia with a $5.73 billion defence budget and over 360,000 active personnel. The Thai army alone counts 245,000 soldiers, including 115,000 conscripts, supported by around 400 tanks, 1,200 APCs, and 2,600 artillery pieces.
Air Power:
Cambodia’s air force just 1,500 personnel has no fighter jets and operates a small fleet consisting mainly of transport aircraft and helicopters, including Mi-17s and Chinese Z-9s.
Thailand, by contrast, runs one of Southeast Asia’s most capable air forces, with 46,000 personnel, 112 combat-ready aircraft, including F-16s and Gripen fighters, and a large helicopter fleet. Its army also maintains its own aircraft.
Naval Strength:
Cambodia’s navy remains limited, with about 2,800 personnel, 13 patrol vessels, and a single amphibious landing craft.
Thailand’s navy is vastly larger, with nearly 70,000 personnel, including naval aviation and a 23,000-strong marine corps. It fields an aircraft carrier, seven frigates, 68 patrol and coastal vessels, and multiple landing ships capable of carrying hundreds of troops.
Bottom Line:
Across land, air and sea, Thailand holds a substantial military advantage in budget, manpower and advanced hardware making the balance of power highly asymmetric. This disparity raises the stakes of the current border tensions and underscores the importance of maintaining the fragile ceasefire.
With information from Reuters.
